Courtyard of the Soul, Wang Tingxin
Reminiscent of the late works of Claude Monet in subject matter, Tingxin’s practice is also deeply rooted within the Chinese traditions of her origins. Each piece is produced on Xuan paper - an ancient variety of paper originating from Xuanzhou city in the Anhui province, where raw materials go through more than 140 processes in order to create its fine, smooth and tenacious texture. The dark, enigmatic surface serves as a canvas for abstract bursts of colour, illuminated by dense gold. Coloured ink is then carefully applied, blended and reconciled with water to create a unique effect of an ever-changing interplay of light and colour.
Embedded in the artist's practice, Tingxin's application of ink to paper is reminiscent of calligraphy in its seamless synthesis of both form and meaning. Harnessing the balance between mimetic representation and subjective expression, Tingxin remains true to the fundamental dialectic in modern Chinese painting.
Marrying Chinese ink and colour within a contemporary cultural context, Courtyard of the Soul is a dream-like meditation on the fragile and finite nature of memory. Referencing both inner and outer worlds, the viewer is taken on a deeply personal journey with Tingxin and encouraged to formulate their very own visions and interpretations throughout.
